If we were to identify the virtue that Confucius and his followers regarded as most important, it would be that of jen (pronounced ren) or humanity. Though it is at the very heart of his teaching, Confucius never defined jen. When one of his disciples asked him if a certain person or a certain kind of conduct exemplified jen, Confucius would usually reply that the person or the conduct in question fell somewhat short of being jen. On the one hand he tells us that jen is not far away from us, and on the other he suggests that very few people are able to keep it constantly in mind.
It will help you as you read the following selections to know that the Chinese word for jen is .
The symbol on the left , means "a human being," while the symbol on the right, , is the number two. So the basic idea has to do with the way in which human beings relate to one another in society. See if you can develop a feeling for jen on the basis of what follows.
Confucius said, "One who is not a man of humanity (jen) cannot endure adversity for very long, nor can he enjoy prosperity for long. The man of humanity is naturally at ease with humanity. The man of wisdom cultivates humanity for its advantage." (4:2)
Confucius said, "If you set your mind on humanity, you will be free from evil." (4:4)
Confucius said, "Wealth and honor are what every man desires. But if they have been obtained in violation of moral principles, they must not be kept. Poverty and humble station are what every man dislikes. But if they can be avoided only in violation of moral principles, they must not be avoided. If a superior man departs from humanity, how can he fulfill that name? A superior man never abandons humanity even for the lapse of a single meal. In moments of haste, he acts according to it. In times of difficulty and confusion, he acts according to it." (4:5)
Confucius said, "I have never seen one who really loves humanity or who really hates inhumanity. One who really loves humanity will not place anything above it. One who really hates inhumanity will practice humanity in such a way that inhumanity will not have a chance to get at him. Is there anyone who has devoted his strength to humanity for as long as a single day? Perhaps there is such a case but I have never seen it." (4:6) |
Confucius said, "The man of wisdom delights in water; the man of humanity delights in mountains. The man of wisdom is active; the man of humanity is tranquil. The man of wisdom enjoys happiness; the man of humanity enjoys long life." (6:21)
Tzu-kung said, "If a ruler extensively confers benefit on the people and can bring salvation to all, what do you think of him? Would you call him a man of humanity?" Confucius said, "Why only a man of humanity? He is without doubt a sage. Even (sage-emperors) Yao and Shun fell short of it. A man of humanity, wishing to establish his own character, also establishes the character of others, and wishing to be prominent himself, also helps others to be prominent. To be able to judge others by what is near to ourselves may be called the method of realizing humanity." (6:28)
Confucius said, "Is humanity far away? As soon as I want it, there it is right by me." (7:29)
Fan Ch'ih asked about humanity. Confucius said, "It is to love men." He asked about knowledge. Confucius said, "It is to know men." (12:22)
Confucius said, "A resolute scholar and a man of humanity will never seek to live at the expense of injuring humanity. He would rather sacrifice his life in order to realize humanity." (15:8)
Tzu-chang asked Confucius about humanity. Confucius said, "One who can practice five things wherever he may be is a man of humanity." Tzu-chang asked what the five -are. Confucius said, "Earnestness, liberality, truthfulness, diligence, and generosity. If one is earnest, one will not be treated with disrespect. If one is liberal, one will win the hearts of all. If one is truthful, one will be trusted. If one is diligent, one will be successful. And if one is generous, one will be able to enjoy the service of others." (17:6)
Discussion Questions
What kind of quality or virtue is jen or humanity, and what kind of person could be called a person of humanity?
Do you find any similarities between the humanity of Confucius and the guiding principles of another religious tradition with which you may be familiar - for example, love or charity in Christianity, social responsibility in Judaism, or compassion in Buddhism? Any differences? Note: you might need to examine those faiths of which you know very little in order to learn something about them before answering this question.
Humanity
If we were to identify the virtue that Confucius and his followers regarded as most important, it would be that of jen (pronounced ren) or humanity. Though it is at the very heart of his teaching, Confucius never defined jen. When one of his disciples asked him if a certain person or a certain kind of conduct exemplified jen, Confucius would usually reply that the person or the conduct in question fell somewhat short of being jen. On the one hand he tells us that jen is not far away from us, and on the other he suggests that very few people are able to keep it constantly in mind.It will help you as you read the following selections to know that the Chinese word for jen is
The symbol on the left
Discussion Questions